What is a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)-Senator Ted Kennedy"s Diagnosis of Glioblastoma Brain Tumor
Updated May 20, 2008.
The media has been using the term glioblastoma multiforme, (pronounced GLEE-OH-Blast-oma) quite a lot lately. Senator Ted Kennedy's seizures and hospitalization have lead to a diagnosis of a glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor that is very difficult to treat.
A glioblastoma can form in all areas of the brain, but typically form in the white matter, or deepest areas. Glioblastomas are often treated with surgery, which usually extends the life of the patient, but even with aggressive surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation and medication the survival rates for patients with glioblastomas are very low.
Unfortunately, most patients do not realize there is a problem until serious symptoms like vision problems, seizures, memory loss and severe headaches start. By the time the symptoms are noted, most glioblastomas are very large and too advanced to provide the patient with more than comfort measures.
In some cases, surgery will be performed to provide pain control for patients with glioblastoma, rather than for a cure. By reducing the bulk of the tumor, the pressure inside the skull is reduced, and headaches are diminished.
Find more information and support for glioblastoma.
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The media has been using the term glioblastoma multiforme, (pronounced GLEE-OH-Blast-oma) quite a lot lately. Senator Ted Kennedy's seizures and hospitalization have lead to a diagnosis of a glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor that is very difficult to treat.
A glioblastoma can form in all areas of the brain, but typically form in the white matter, or deepest areas. Glioblastomas are often treated with surgery, which usually extends the life of the patient, but even with aggressive surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation and medication the survival rates for patients with glioblastomas are very low.
Unfortunately, most patients do not realize there is a problem until serious symptoms like vision problems, seizures, memory loss and severe headaches start. By the time the symptoms are noted, most glioblastomas are very large and too advanced to provide the patient with more than comfort measures.
In some cases, surgery will be performed to provide pain control for patients with glioblastoma, rather than for a cure. By reducing the bulk of the tumor, the pressure inside the skull is reduced, and headaches are diminished.
Find more information and support for glioblastoma.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Keep up with surgery news and information by signing up for the Surgery Newsletter.
Check out the Surgery Forums for surgery discussions, support and more!
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
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